RiverArts 9th Annual “Paint the Town”

April 26 - April 28

Savor the beauty of early spring at the RiverArts 9th Annual “Paint the Town” on April 26 through 29, where more than 50 talented artists will paint Chestertown and the surrounding countryside and waterways.

Artists love to paint en plein air during the annual “Paint the Town” event in Kent County.

Artists come from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and as far away as Washington, D.C. and New York. Many artists paint scenes of historic Chestertown and the surrounding small towns and countryside recommended by local artists, while some arrive a day early to scout out Kent County, looking for something that seems special to them. The result is a wonderful range of paintings that include historic buildings and street scenes, gardens, rural expanses, seascapes, nautical views, and more.

The artists will paint for three days while visitors can watch them at work. On Thursday and Friday, they will paint wherever they choose in Kent and upper Queen Anne’s counties. On Saturday, the artists are encouraged to paint in downtown Chestertown, during which time one of Maryland’s most popular Farmer’s Markets is in town.

The paintings are framed and will be available for sale at the free “Wet Paint Reception and Sale” on Saturday, April 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at RiverArts, located at 315 High Street. The artists will have their own say by voting “Best in Show” and “Best Body of Work.” Sales tend to be brisk, so visitors are encouraged to make their choices during the reception. However, if more time is needed, the paintings can be viewed on Sunday morning.

On Sunday, there will be a “Quick Draw” where artists have two hours to paint a scene. Several artists who were not able to participate in the four-day event, will be able to participate in the Quick Draw competition. These paintings will also be for sale from 11 a.m. to noon. They will be shown in Fountain Park. In case of inclement weather, the paintings will be moved to the breezeway near RiverArts. A judge will award first, second, and third places. Visitors will be encouraged to vote for the “People’s Choice Award.”